Chapter 29

Minutes passed, stretching like an eternity, until the door finally swung open. Ava emerged, her eyes locking onto Bryan's in an instant. Relief flooded her face, and without a word, she dashed towards him.

" Bryan! " Her voice carried a mixture of relief and joy as she wrapped her arms tightly around him. His surprise melted into a smile, and instinctively, he embraced her, enveloping her in a comforting hold.

" Are you alright? " Bryan's voice was gentle, filled with concern as he held her close.

Ava sniffed and nodded against his chest, her voice muffled, " Yeah, I'm okay now. Thank you for waiting. "

" Always. I was worried, " he murmured softly, his fingers gently caressing her back.

" I'm sorry for the way I acted back there " She said quietly as she withdrew from the hug.

Her eyes were red and it looked like she had been crying.

Bryan shook his head " You handled it pretty well, baby " He said softly, placing a comforting hand on her arm.

Her eyes went huge in an instant " B